Motorcycle shock absorber

Why change your motorcycle rear shock absorbers?

There are several reasons why you might want to change your motorcycle's rear shock absorbers:

• Wear : Shock absorbers can wear out over time, which can lead to loss of performance and safety. If you notice your bike pitching or the rear wheel bouncing excessively, it may be time to change your shocks.

• Performance : High quality shock absorbers can significantly improve the stability and ride comfort of your motorcycle. If you are looking to improve the performance of your motorcycle, changing the rear shock absorbers can be a good idea.

• Customization : You can also change your shocks to models more suited to your riding style or personal preferences.

• Damaged : Rear shock absorbers can be damaged from an accident or overuse, so they may need to be replaced to ensure the safety and performance of your motorcycle.

It is important to note that it is always best to consult a professional mechanic to check the condition of your shock absorbers and advise you on the best option on motorcycle models. There are also reconditioning solutions, mainly on the most high-end models.

What types of motorcycle shock absorbers are there?

There are mainly two types of motorcycle shock absorbers: spring shock absorbers and gas shock absorbers.

• Spring shock absorbers : Spring shock absorbers are the most common and the oldest. They use a metal spring to absorb road vibrations and shocks. Spring shocks can be tuned to suit different types of riding and loads.

• Gas shock absorbers : Gas shock absorbers use a fluid, usually oil or compressed air, to absorb road vibrations and shocks. Gas shocks tend to be lighter and more durable than spring shocks. They can also be tuned to accommodate different types of riding and loads.

There are also semi-active and active dampers, which use sensors and algorithms to automatically adjust based on driving conditions. These shock absorbers are generally used on high-end and sports motorcycles.

What are the risks of riding with hs shock absorbers?

Driving with shock absorbers in poor condition can cause many safety and performance issues:

• Stability : Shock absorbers in poor condition can cause a lack of stability when riding, which can lead to sudden and unexpected movements of the motorcycle. This can increase the risk of a fall or collision.

• Driving comfort : Shock absorbers in poor condition can cause unpleasant vibrations and jolts when riding, which can make driving less comfortable and tiring.

• Premature Wear : Shock absorbers in poor condition can lead to premature wear of tires, bearings and other motorcycle components.

• Performance : Shock absorbers in poor condition can lead to a loss of motorcycle performance, especially with regard to handling, handling and grip.

• Safety : Shock absorbers in poor condition can increase the risk of accidents, especially when riding on rough roads or in difficult conditions.

It is important to have your motorcycle's shock absorbers serviced regularly to ensure that they are working properly. Replace damaged or worn shock absorbers to ensure the safety and performance of your motorcycle. If your shock absorber is too crushed then do not use a motorcycle shock absorber raiser to make up for this failure.

How do I know if my shock absorbers need to be replaced?

There are several signs that may indicate that your motorcycle shock absorbers need to be replaced:

• Excessive bouncing : If your motorcycle's rear wheel is bouncing excessively when riding on rough or uneven roads, it could be a sign that your shock absorbers are no longer working effectively.

• Pitching : If your motorcycle pitches or wobbles when you ride, this could also indicate that your shock absorbers are worn or damaged.

• Suspicious noises : Suspicious noises such as squealing or popping may indicate problems with the shock absorbers.

• Visual condition : Check the visual condition of your shock absorbers, if there are oil leaks, cracks, rust or general poor condition, it may mean that it is time to replace them.

• Age : Shock absorbers have a limited lifespan, typically 40,000-60,000 km, so it's important to replace them regularly, even if they show no visible signs of deterioration.

It is recommended that you consult a professional mechanic to check the condition of your shock absorbers. So advise you on the best option for your motorcycle. He will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis and tell you if you need to replace them or if they can be repaired.

How to choose your new shock absorbers?

There are several factors to consider when choosing new shock absorbers for your motorcycle:

• Quality : Make sure you choose high quality shock absorbers made by recognized brands. It is better to give preference to shock absorbers that have received positive reviews and have a good reputation.

• Type : As mentioned earlier, there are two types of shock absorbers for motorcycles: spring shock absorbers and gas shock absorbers. Gas shocks are generally more expensive, but more durable and lighter than spring shocks.

• Adaptability : Make sure that the new shocks are compatible with your bike, especially in terms of size and mounting. It's also important to check if the shocks have adjustment options to accommodate different types of riding and loads.

• Use : If you mainly use your motorcycle for short trips or for rides, you will need different shock absorbers than if you mainly use your motorcycle for long trips or for races. It is therefore important to choose shock absorbers adapted to your main use.

• Budget : High quality shock absorbers can be expensive, so it is important to set a budget and choose shock absorbers that meet your needs and requirements while staying within your budget.

It is important to consult a professional mechanic to help you choose the best shock absorbers for your motorcycle. They can advise you on the options available and help you make the best choice based on your needs and budget.

What is the best motorcycle shock absorber?

There is no best motorcycle shock that fits all types of motorcycles or all types of riders.

Which shock absorbers are best for your motorcycle depends on your personal preference , your budget , and how you use it. Here are the "best suspensions":

For racing use, major brands offer high-performance products, however you will have to adjust them regularly according to the layout and other multiple settings.

Motorcycle rear suspensions can be electric and thus always offer the best adjustment in all situations. However, this type of suspension is very expensive and only present on high-end large displacement motorcycles. Few manufacturers offer this type of suspension.

It is important to note that high end shocks can be more expensive, but they are generally more durable and perform better than affordable shocks.

It is therefore important to consult a professional mechanic to help you choose the best shock absorbers for your motorcycle according to your needs and your budget.

How to change a motorcycle shock absorber?

The fitting of rear shock absorbers can vary depending on the type of motorcycle and the model of shock absorbers you are using, so it is important to follow the instructions supplied with the shock absorbers.

Here is a general overview of the assembly steps for the rear shock absorbers:

1. Preparation : Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials and are working in a clean, well-lit area. It is also advisable to lift the motorcycle on a wheel stand to facilitate access to the rear shocks.
2. Removing Old Shocks : Remove the mounting bolts from the existing rear shocks. It may be necessary to loosen the brake line fasteners to remove the shocks.
3. Fitting the new shock absorbers : Place the new shock absorbers in position and secure them in place using the mounting bolts provided. It is important to tighten the bolts to the recommended tension to avoid any looseness or unwanted movement.
4. Shock Adjustment : Adjust the shocks according to the instructions that came with the shocks. If the shocks are adjustable, it is important to tune them to suit your riding style and weight.
5. Checking : After the shocks are mounted, check that all the bolts are tight and that the shocks are properly aligned. Take a test drive to check the operation of the shock absorbers.

It is important to note that mounting the rear shock absorbers requires specific tools and some mechanical experience. It is therefore recommended that you consult a professional mechanic if you are unsure of how to properly install your motorcycle's shock absorbers.

How to adjust a motorcycle rear shock absorber?

Adjusting motorcycle rear shocks can vary depending on the type of motorcycle and model of shock you are using, so it is important to follow the instructions that come with the shocks. Here is a general overview of the rear shock adjustment steps:

1. Preparation : Make sure you have all the necessary materials and work in a clean, well-lit area. It is also advisable to lift the motorcycle on a wheel stand to facilitate access to the rear shocks.
2. Preload rule : Preload is the initial tension that is applied to the spring of a shock absorber. It is important to adjust the preload to suit your weight and your use of the motorcycle. You will need a motorcycle shock absorber key.
3. Rebound Rule : Rebound is the rate at which the shock returns to its starting position after being compressed. It is important to adjust the rebound to suit your riding style.
4. Compression Rule : Compression is the rate at which the shock absorbs shock and vibration. It is important to adjust the compression to suit your use of the bike and your riding preferences.
5. Checking : After making adjustments, check that the shocks are properly aligned and that there is no looseness or unwanted movement. Take a test drive to check the operation of the shock absorbers.

It is important to note that adjusting shock absorbers can be complex and require specific tools.

How to harden a motorcycle shock absorber?

There are several ways to harden your motorcycle's shock absorbers, but be careful only to proceed if you really need to:

1. Preload adjustment : Preload is the initial tension that is applied to the spring of a shock absorber. By increasing the preload, you can stiffen the shock. Some shocks have a preload adjuster knob on the spring, others have an adjusting nut that can be turned by hand or with a wrench.
2. Compression Adjustment : Compression is the rate at which the shock absorbs shock and vibration. By increasing the compression, you can stiffen the shock. Some shocks have a compression adjuster nut on the shock body, others have a click system to adjust the compression.
3. Using harder springs : If you want firmer damping, you can replace the stock springs with harder springs. It is important to choose springs that suit your weight and your use of the motorcycle.
4. Using Thicker Compression Oil : If you want firmer damping, you can replace the stock compression oil with thicker oil. It is important to choose an oil that suits your shock and your use of the motorcycle.

It is important to note that hardening the shocks can lead to a loss of ride comfort and traction, so it is important to tune the shocks according to your personal preference and the use of your motorcycle. It is also advisable to consult a professional mechanic to help you adjust your motorcycle's shock absorbers.

How to inflate a motorcycle shock absorber?

To inflate a motorcycle shock, you will need an air pump suitable for the pressure required for your shock. You can use a high pressure bicycle pump . You will also need to ensure that the shock is disassembled from the motorcycle before inflating it.

1. Find the shock air valve.
2. Use the pump (never use an air compressor as this will damage the seals) to add air to the shock until the required pressure is reached. The required pressure is usually listed on the shock absorber or in the motorcycle owner's manual.
3. Check the pressure with a pressure gauge to make sure it is correct.
4. Reassemble the shock absorber on the motorcycle.

It is important to note that shock absorbers have specific pressures and it is important to respect these pressures to avoid damage to the shock. It is also recommended that you consult your motorcycle manual for specific instructions on how to properly inflate the shock.

In summary, the choice of motorcycle shock absorbers will depend on several factors such as your riding style, your personal preferences and the model of your motorcycle.

Discover our selection of shock absorbers to customize your bike: